The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Polly Trottenberg announced today that the DOT will implement pedestrian safety improvements on Clinton Street, between Grand Street and East Broadway. The improvements come after community requests following the implementation of the two way parking-protected bike lane on Clinton Street this summer.

The DOT joined Frank Durant, General Manager of Seward Park Co-op and representatives from local elected officials on a walkthrough of the block in September, to discuss and observe pedestrian and traffic issues. Following a study of the block that included counts of pedestrians and vehicles, vehicle speeds, crash history, amongst other factors, DOT approved a midblock crosswalk and a signal. Implementation will take place this spring.

“After working closely with the leaders and residents of the Lower East Side, I am happy to announce that DOT will install a midblock crosswalk and signal on Clinton Street,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “DOT is pleased to work with the community on improvements that can make its neighborhood safer and more livable, and we thank the seniors and families of Seward Park Co-op for engaging with us.”

“I’m pleased to see the Department of Transportation responding to the community’s need for safety measures on Clinton Street following the creation of a protected bike lane,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “Anytime we make a major change to our streets, we must be ready to make adjustments, and pedestrian safety must be paramount.”

“Getting a green light on a safer Clinton Street is a big reason to celebrate,” said State Senator Daniel Squadron. “I thank DOT, my colleagues, Seward Park Co-Op, and the community.”

“I am extremely pleased that NYCDOT is making this investment toward pedestrian safety on such a busy commercial and residential corridor. Our streets must be made safe for all New Yorkers – particularly for the elderly who have limited transportation options in the neighborhood,” said Council Member Margaret Chin. “I thank Commissioner Trottenberg for backing up the City’s commitment to achieving Vision Zero with concrete action.”

“Community Board 3 applauds the installation of a midblock crosswalk and signal on Clinton Street between East Broadway and Grand Street. These traffic calming measures will improve pedestrian safety and connectivity between two residential towers that share amenities, said Karen Blatt, Community Board 3 Transportation Committee Chair. “Residents of Seward Park Cooperative have been advocating for safety improvements for some time and CB 3 is pleased that NYC DOT was responsive to community concerns.”

“I want to thank DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and her team at DOT, Seward Park Board President David Pass and all SPHC directors, our elected officials and CB 3 for working together on behalf of their constituents to provide an essential safety measure for our community,” said Frank Durant, Seward Park Co-op General Manager. “Let this crosswalk be a reminder of what can be achieved when private, city and elected officials work together to achieve a unified goal.”

Clinton Street is currently a busy commercial and resident corridor, with a large supermarket on the block. The Seward Park Cooperative, located on Clinton Street, is home to thousands of residents.